Blackpool rail workers to strike over sacking

Staff at Blackpool North train station will strike this weekend in support of a colleague who was sacked.

Union bosses confirmed members would take industrial action over the “disgraceful” dismissal of Chad Vickers, following a disciplinary process.

RMT is urging members to stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with their sacked colleague and support strike action this weekend.

Mick Cash, RMT

Members of RMT, the rail union, voted in favour of a 48-hour strike, starting at 12.01am on Saturday.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: “This action has not been put on lightly, but is the last resort in our efforts in making management sit up and take notice of anger amongst his fellow workers over Chad’s disgraceful dismissal.

“There is no compelling CCTV evidence, the police found no forensic evidence and management could come up with very little in anecdotal evidence to support their decision to dismiss Chad.

“That is why RMT is urging members to stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with their sacked colleague and support strike action this weekend. The union remains available for talks.”

According to the union, Mr Vickers was dismissed “with little regard for due process, evidence or natural justice”.

It said allegations made against him were passed to police, who found no evidence to support them.